Music Criticism vs David Brooks vs Music Criticism
It would be overtly hypocritical of me to viciously criticize David Brooks' recent op-ed piece on "fragmentation" in popular music (not to be confused with the technical, classical definition of the term): I, too, enjoy argument for argument's sake. Still, I always find it fun when prominent, public personalities decide to comment on things they don't really seem to care (or know) about.
Bemoaning an era when everything was apparently classified as "rock", his primary target is his own concept of fragmentation, which he imaginatively defines as the increasing specialization of genres within music. Brooks's main point floats from one crotchety cliche to another. There are no more major rock bands. Rock music was better when I was a teenager. Kids today don't know anything about history. Get off my lawn.
Where as the bands of his youth, such as the oft-cited the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, were genuine in their aping of African-American music (mainly the blues), for modern day acts, "It's considered inappropriate or even immoral for white musicians to appropriate African-American styles." For those of us that have ever talked shop with a member of the '60s generation, this sort of swooping, denouncing generalization is nothing new. Taking it one step further, Brooks claims that rock music has become nothing short of elitist from both racial and social standpoints.
As a result of this false premise, the rock music of today, particularly indie rock, is a whitewash of artists and fans that have no understanding or appreciation of the music and musicians that came before them. Furthermore, these nefarious means are a result of an intentional move by the fans of indie rock to fragment rock music into so many specific subgenres that a sort of caste system is created, separating the educated from the uninformed. This is purposefully set up in contrast to the music fans of his generation, who allegedly like music for all the right reasons.
It's easy (and tempting) to simply cry "bullshit" on Mr. Brooks and call it a day, but that would drastically cheapen the few legitimate points he actually makes (at least the ones left standing after he's done sabotaging his own article).
Continue reading "Music Criticism vs David Brooks vs Music Criticism" »
It would be overtly hypocritical of me to viciously criticize David Brooks' recent op-ed piece on "fragmentation" in popular music (not to be confused with the technical, classical definition of the term): I, too, enjoy argument for argument's sake. Still, I always find it fun when prominent, public personalities decide to comment on things they don't really seem to care (or know) about.
Bemoaning an era when everything was apparently classified as "rock", his primary target is his own concept of fragmentation, which he imaginatively defines as the increasing specialization of genres within music. Brooks's main point floats from one crotchety cliche to another. There are no more major rock bands. Rock music was better when I was a teenager. Kids today don't know anything about history. Get off my lawn.
Where as the bands of his youth, such as the oft-cited the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, were genuine in their aping of African-American music (mainly the blues), for modern day acts, "It's considered inappropriate or even immoral for white musicians to appropriate African-American styles." For those of us that have ever talked shop with a member of the '60s generation, this sort of swooping, denouncing generalization is nothing new. Taking it one step further, Brooks claims that rock music has become nothing short of elitist from both racial and social standpoints.
As a result of this false premise, the rock music of today, particularly indie rock, is a whitewash of artists and fans that have no understanding or appreciation of the music and musicians that came before them. Furthermore, these nefarious means are a result of an intentional move by the fans of indie rock to fragment rock music into so many specific subgenres that a sort of caste system is created, separating the educated from the uninformed. This is purposefully set up in contrast to the music fans of his generation, who allegedly like music for all the right reasons.
It's easy (and tempting) to simply cry "bullshit" on Mr. Brooks and call it a day, but that would drastically cheapen the few legitimate points he actually makes (at least the ones left standing after he's done sabotaging his own article).
Continue reading "Music Criticism vs David Brooks vs Music Criticism" »
